Let’s talk about the best genre, (and by far my favorite genre), in the entire history of storytelling: HORROR. No matter the medium – literature, film, podcast structured audio dramas, and of course the form in which it was originally created thousands of years ago -- those small fireside gatherings of a few people listening to some piece of folklorish dread about the endless threats lurking in the surrounding shadows as the flames spit embers & cackle until there is nothing left to burn and everyone who had gathered initially for the warmth have been ensnared by a dread so potent they are unable to realize the fire has gone out and they’ve been sitting in the cold wrapped up in their thoughts.

To those who are conditioned to snicker and dismiss the notion that ALWAYS SHINE is a Horror film, (hopefully it was clear enough that’s where all the preamble about the Horror genre was inevitably going to land), I would respectfully – yet vehemently – reply by saying that they don’t understand the first thing about this genre & should go back to watching their PG-13, formulaic snooze-fest VOD Blumhouse “horror movies.”

For anyone else still remaining, here’s the rub without spoilers:

ALWAYS SHINE isn’t just one thing; not single line of dialogue isn’t loaded with at least a couple of layered meanings that continue to reveal themselves the more you return to it over and over again. The direction & editing are nothing short of a clinical exercise in how to most effectively ratchet up tension without *one* giving your audience anywhere to hide in the cheap comforts of the nervous laughter that follows a stupid jump scare – not just because there none in this film – but also because the performances are the highlight of the entire production…and from the jump to the abject madness that (somehow) sneaks up on you despite the fact the film telegraphs its destination within its first 5 minutes.

THIS FILM SHOULD BE WATCHED AS A DOUBLE FEATURE: Beginning with “Always Shine” and then after an intermission no longer than 10 minutes followed by the this latest release by the same writer and directing duo, “Black Bear.” (And yes, BLACK BEAR is *also* a Horror film, even though it doesn’t have anything to do with James Wan’s diet-horror-lite:tm: franchise movies about possessed dolls or whatever; If you don’t feel comfortable with the notion of BLACK BEAR & ALWAYS SHOING being described as Horror films – or any particular genre for that matter – then feel free to do one of two things:

1. Watch these films and tell me they didn’t accomplish what every great Horror film can only achieve in sporadic bursts, (well there are some exceptions, sure, but I’m talking about the majority of Horror films). If you still think I’m incorrect after giving these films an honest viewing, (meaning you don’t talk during the movie or use spend half the runtimes messing around on a phone or computer etc.), then proceed to the next item on this list…

2. Take a long, hard, honest assessment of what you think the Horror genre – not just in films, but in ALL mediums & formats – is meant to accomplish. Failing to resolve your disagreements with my assertions as they’ve been discussed in this review, just accept the fact that art is subjective & we will have to disagree on this particular score. (not “agree to disagree” because, NO, I refuse to concede an inch of ground & you will have to carry my corpse from this hill that I am so content to die on).

P.S. These films are best viewed for the first time with your significant other and/or your absolute best friend in the entire world. There will be plenty to talk about when the credits roll and the person who knows you better than anyone happens to be sitting next to you.

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